The Las Vegas Raiders are aiming to transform their defense from a strong unit into one of the NFL’s elite this upcoming season. Following a productive 2024 campaign, the team made significant offseason moves that have reshaped the roster, particularly in the secondary.
The cornerback position has undergone a complete overhaul, with last season’s starters no longer on the team. The Raiders have pivoted to a new group of players who fit Head Coach Antonio Pierce’s preference for size and physicality. The projected starters include Darnay Holmes, the only returning cornerback from last year’s roster; Eric Stokes, a former first-round pick; and Darien Porter, a promising rookie from the 2025 NFL Draft. The team holds high expectations for Stokes, who is looking to recapture his early-career form, and is enthusiastic about Porter’s potential.
On a recent episode of the “Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast,” Hondo Carpenter provided a detailed breakdown of the intense competition within the position group.
Carpenter noted that several players are exceeding expectations. “[Eric] Stokes… a guy who played like an All-Pro as a rookie, got injured. Green Bay gave up on him early… Stokes comes here and he is playing like a rockstar,” he said. The rookies have also impressed, with Carpenter calling Darien Porter a “star” and praising Greedy Vance, who “has played his tail off” to contend for a roster spot.
The strong performances from newcomers have put pressure on returning players. “[Sam] Webb’s job is in jeopardy,” Carpenter explained. “He is a guy that they want to see compete, and they are open to him being beaten.” He also mentioned Decamerion Richardson as another player having a “great camp,” further intensifying the battle for positions in the Raiders’ new-look secondary.
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